Johnny Bardy "Bo" Mitchell, Jr.

Graveside services for Johnny Bardy “Bo” Mitchell, Jr. will be held on Friday, January 29, 2021, at 11:00am at Hasley Cemetery in West Monroe, Louisiana, with Dr. Mark Fenn officiating. Johnny Bo was born July 1, 1933, the only child of John Bardy Mitchell and Gertie Owens Mitchell. He passed away in West Monroe after a brief illness on January 26, 2021.

Johnny was a lifelong resident of West Monroe and graduated from Ouachita Parish High School where he was a standout football player. He received a football scholarship and played at LSU. An injury ended his time at LSU and he completed his playing days at Northeast Louisiana State College.

In 1955, Johnny began a career in law enforcement with the Louisiana State Police. He gained notoriety as a trooper when he apprehended three suspects after being shot during a traffic stop north of Bastrop and later served as a bodyguard to Gov. Earl Long. In 1963, Johnny was named the Chief of Police of West Monroe and many in West Monroe still refer to him as “Chief”. Johnny graduated from the FBI Academy in 1965 and served as president of the Louisiana Peace Officers Association. After leaving law enforcement, he was a founding director of Louisiana Bank. Johnny enjoyed spending time with his friends at Lake Claiborne, Drennan’s Drug Store, Sunday School, the Wellness Center, the Thursday Lunch Bunch and the WMPD Old Timers.

Johnny was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of West Monroe. He loved West Monroe and was active in his community. He helped establish the Boys’ Club of West Monroe and was a member of Pine Hills Gun Club, the Rebel Club, National Turkey Federation, and Sons of the American Revolution. Johnny was a member of the Masonic Order and served as Potentate of the Barak Shrine in 1994 and on the board of the Shriners Hospital.

Johnny is survived by Mary Sue Mitchell, his wife of more than 65 years; his two children, Johnette Mitchell Mintz (Steve) and Jay Bardy Mitchell (Staci); his four grandchildren, Jarrod Sellar (Meghan), Jordan Sellar, Elaina Mitchell Fischer (Ryan) and Mary Allison Mitchell; and 4 great grandchildren, Clark Fischer, Brooks Fischer, Clay Fischer and Caroline Sellar.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children – Shreveport, Attn: Development Office, 3100 Stamford Ave., Shreveport, LA 71103.